The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Reiter (bottom center), Expedition 13 flight engineer, and the STS-121 crewmembers pose in "star-burst" formation for an in-flight portrait in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Discovery was docked with the station. Clockwise, around the circle from Reiter, are astronauts Michael E. Fossum, Lisa M. Nowak, both mission specialists; Steven W. Lindsey and Mark E. Kelly, commander and pilot, respectively; Stephanie D. Wilson and Piers J. Sellers, mission specialists. Reiter launched on the Space Shuttle Discovery with the STS-121 crew and officially became an Expedition 13 crewmember after the shuttle docked with the station.